As the summer sun shines over Switzerland, the stage is set for the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, a tournament that promises to captivate football fans across Europe and beyond. From July 2 to July 27, sixteen national teams will battle it out across iconic venues, including the final showdown at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. With England defending their title and Spain emerging as strong favorites, the competition is heating up to be a historic event in women's football.
The tournament kicks off on July 2 with a thrilling double-header. The opening match sees Iceland face Finland at Arena Thun at 5pm UK time, broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX. Later that evening, hosts Switzerland take on Norway at 8pm in Basel, a match that will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This opening day sets the tone for the month-long extravaganza that will showcase some of the finest talents in the women's game.
England, the reigning champions after their unforgettable home victory in 2022, will begin their campaign on July 5 against France in Zurich. This match, along with Wales' debut game against the Netherlands, marks the start of Group D's intense battles. Sarina Wiegman, the mastermind behind England's recent success and former Netherlands coach, leads a team hungry to defend their crown on foreign soil for the first time. The Lionesses face tough competition from France, the Netherlands, and debutants Wales, who are making their major tournament debut with high hopes.
Spain enters the tournament as clear favorites, riding high after their 2023 World Cup triumph and success in the inaugural UEFA Women's Nations League in early 2024. With midfield maestros Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas—ranked first and fourteenth respectively on FourFourTwo's list of the world's best women's players—La Roja boasts a golden generation aiming to establish a dynasty in women's football. Spain's Group B fixtures include challenging matches against Portugal, Belgium, and Italy, promising exciting encounters throughout the group stage.
Other traditional powerhouses like Germany and France are eager to make their mark. Germany, with a rich history of six consecutive European titles from 1995 to 2013 and eight overall, looks to reclaim their dominance despite missing stars like Alexandra Popp. France, buoyed by their recent Nations League final appearance, also aims to secure their first major senior trophy. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are viewed as dark horses, each bringing their unique flair and talent to the Swiss pitches.
The group stage unfolds across multiple venues, including Stadion Wankdorf in Bern, Stade de Genève in Geneva, Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Arena St.Gallen in St. Gallen, Allmend Stadion Luzern in Lucerne, and Stade de Tourbillon in Sion. This geographic spread ensures fans across Switzerland experience the tournament's electric atmosphere firsthand.
UK viewers will enjoy extensive coverage split between BBC and ITV. BBC will broadcast sixteen of the thirty-two matches, including three of the four quarter-finals, the second pick of the semi-finals, and the final on July 27. ITV will air two of England's group games, one quarter-final, and holds the first choice for the semi-finals and the final. Both broadcasters have assembled impressive punditry teams. BBC's lineup features England's Euro 2022 heroes Jill Scott, Ellie Roebuck, Ellen White, Arsenal's Champions League-winning coach Renee, and former Lioness Alex Scott, with Gabby Logan and Jeannete Kwakye leading coverage. ITV's team includes pundits Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, and former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, with Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal at the helm.
Across the Atlantic, FOX Sports holds English-language broadcast rights in the United States, offering nineteen matches on FOX, eleven on FS1, and one on FS2. From the quarterfinals onward, all matches will be on FOX, accessible for free with an antenna or TV package. Disney+ also streams the tournament in English, while VIX provides Spanish-language coverage. In Canada, TSN will broadcast all matches, requiring a subscription.
The tournament format features four groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. Matches tied after 90 minutes proceed to extra time and, if necessary, penalties. The quarter-finals are slated for July 16 to 19, with semi-finals on July 22 and 23, culminating in the grand final on July 27 at 5pm UK time (6pm CET) at St. Jakob-Park.
Technology will play a significant role in this edition, with video assistant referee (VAR), goal-line technology (GLT), connected ball technology, and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) all deployed. Notably, connected ball technology and SAOT will debut at a Women's EURO, enhancing the accuracy and fairness of officiating. The technology hub is based in Nyon, Switzerland, ensuring seamless integration throughout the tournament.
Historically, the UEFA Women's EURO has grown from a modest competition with just four teams in the early 1980s to a premier tournament featuring sixteen teams since 2017. England's 2022 triumph at Wembley set new attendance records, with 87,192 fans witnessing the final and over half a million attending matches overall. Organizers aim to surpass these figures in Switzerland, with affordable ticket prices starting at CHF 25 and inclusive travel options for fans.
Among the debutants, Wales and Poland bring fresh energy to the competition. Wales' qualification marks a significant milestone, while Poland, featuring prolific striker Ewa Pajor, is competing in their first major tournament. Switzerland, led by seasoned coach Pia Sundhage, faces the challenge of hosting with high expectations, aiming to emulate the success of previous host nations.
With the tournament underway, all eyes will be on the players who have made the journey to Switzerland. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 promises thrilling football, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of the sport's growth. As England seeks to defend their crown and Spain looks to cement their ascendancy, football fans are in for a spectacular summer.
